Used automobile transaction facilitation for a specific used automobile

ABSTRACT

A system, methods, and apparatus for performing used automobile transactions are disclosed. In an example embodiment, automobile market data representative of current automobile market characteristics is stored. The automobile market data may include pricing and consumer interest information received from consumers, dealers, and manufacturers. A consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may provide a request for a response regarding a specific used automobile with a specific a vehicle identification number. Automobile market data may be provided to a used automobile buyer based on the request. Bids to purchase the specific used automobile may be requested from used automobile buyers based on the request. Buyer bids may be provided to the consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller with prices and a delivery options. The consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may select a bid to sell the specific used automobile based on the bid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/207,858, filed on Aug. 11, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part ofthe following co-pending commonly-owned patent applications filed onJul. 5, 2011, entitled “AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION USING AMANUFACTURER RESPONSE,” application Ser. No. 13/176,497, and entitled“AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION BASED ON CUSTOMER SELECTION OF ASPECIFIC AUTOMOBILE,” application Ser. No. 13/176,525, the entirecontents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

In the used automobile market, consumers typically sell or trade in usedautomobiles to dealers or dealerships, or privately sell to otherconsumers, for example, through personal advertisements. Dealers oftenpurchase used automobiles from consumers as part of a deal for a newautomobile, typically referred to as a trade in. Typically, adescription of a used automobile in a personal advertisement may includethe make, model, and mileage of an automobile, but certain otherrelevant descriptive information may not be available to a potentialbuyer. Further, a dealer making a trade in offer for a used automobilemay not have certain relevant descriptive information on that usedautomobile. In many cases, the negotiation process for a used automobilemay include a large degree of uncertainty for consumers, including botha selling consumer and a purchasing consumer. A consumer seller may beparticularly disadvantaged when negotiating with a dealer for a trade invalue, as dealers typically have great knowledge and experience with theprocess, while consumers typically do not. Generally, the negotiationprocess is a zero sum process, and because a consumer seller of a usedautomobile and a used automobile buyer are each trying to get a betterdeal, there is typically some lack of trust during the negotiation.Accordingly, used automobile buyers and sellers, including consumers anddealers, often base the negotiations on established market prices.However, market prices can fluctuate rapidly depending a variety offactors. For example, consumer demand may be affected by economicfactors, such as changes in gasoline prices, unemployment rates,government sponsored tax rebates for automobile purchases, etc.

In many cases, a consumer seller of a used automobile may have concernsthat a buyer may not offer a fair and competitive price. Variousproducts and services have become available that allow sellers andbuyers, including consumers and dealers, to perform research on marketprices for used automobiles. Typically, the highest possible valueavailable to a consumer seller may be through a sale to anotherconsumer, as opposed to trading in the used automobile to a dealer.

In addition to consumers and dealers, automobile manufacturers may alsohave an interest in the resale values of used automobiles. Further, inmany cases, a manufacturer may want to sell used off-lease automobileswhich have been returned by consumer lessees. In many cases, amanufacturer off-lease seller may not be able to receive the full marketvalue of a used off-lease automobile.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a new and innovative system, methods andapparatus for providing automobile market information and facilitatingused automobile transactions. In an example embodiment, automobilemarket data representative of current automobile market characteristicsis stored. The automobile market data may include pricing and consumerinterest information received from consumers, dealers, andmanufacturers. A consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller mayprovide a request for a response regarding a specific used automobilewith a specific a vehicle identification number. Automobile market datamay be provided to a used automobile buyer based on the request. Bids topurchase the specific used automobile may be requested from usedautomobile buyers based on the request. Buyer bids may be provided tothe consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller with prices and adelivery options. The consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease sellermay select a bid to sell the specific used automobile based on the bid.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatusare described in, and will be apparent from, the following DetailedDescription and the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of an example network communicatingsystem, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram showing an example of a computingdevice, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide a block diagram showing an example automobiletransaction network structure, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for facilitating aused automobile transaction, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example data architecture,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is flow diagram illustrating an example process for facilitatinga used automobile transaction, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates in general to a system for facilitatingused automobile transactions and, in particular, to an automobiletransaction for a specific used automobile. Briefly, in an exampleembodiment, a system is provided which allows a consumer seller or amanufacturer off-lease seller of a used automobile to request bids andinformation regarding a specific automobile identified with a specificvehicle identification number. For example, a consumer may use a mobiledevice to take a picture of a vehicle identification number and mayenter a desired price range or minimum asking price. The specificautomobile may be identified using optical character recognition toprovide, for example, a full list of the original manufacturer featuresand options, and the original manufacturer suggested retail price andinvoice information, for that specific used automobile based on thevehicle identification number. Accordingly, the consumer seller need notenter all of this information, but may request bids and information inreal-time for that specific used automobile. Used automobile buyers mayinclude consumers and/or dealers which may provide bids based on theconsumer seller request using real-time automobile market information. Aconsumer seller may select a buyer bid to sell a used automobile basedon the prices and delivery options available. Accordingly, typicallyunavailable or difficult to obtain data may be provided for offering aused automobile for sale, including a full listing of the manufacturerfeatures and options, EPA mileage, safety ratings, recalls, qualityreports, estimated insurance costs, etc. In an example embodiment, amanufacturer off-lease seller may select a buyer bid based on the pricesand delivery options to maximize value, for example, by reducing coststypically associated with selling an off-lease automobile. The usedautomobile market is presently approximately three times the size of thenew automobile market in the United States, as approximately 40 millionused automobiles are sold each year. Accordingly, the present disclosuremay be helpful for facilitating large numbers of used automobiletransactions. In an example embodiment, the disclosed system matchesseller and buyer parameters, such as price and pickup location, tofacilitate a live bidding process, which allows a used automobile sellerto accept or reject bids using a great deal of information not typicallyavailable. In a non-limiting example embodiment, certain featuresdisclosed in the present patent application may be commercially embodiedin products and services offered by Sidekick Technology LLC, theassignee of the present application.

The present system may be readily realized in a network communicationssystem. A high level block diagram of an example network communicationssystem 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The illustrated system 100 includesone or more client devices 102, and one or more host devices 104. Thesystem 100 may include a variety of client devices 102, such as desktopcomputers and the like, which typically include a display 112, which isa user display for providing information to users 114, and variousinterface elements as will be discussed in further detail below. Aclient device 102 may be a mobile device 103, which may be a cellularphone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a tabletcomputer, etc. The client devices 102 may communicate with the hostdevice 104 via a connection to one or more communications channels 106such as the Internet or some other data network, including, but notlimited to, any suitable wide area network or local area network. Itshould be appreciated that any of the devices described herein may bedirectly connected to each other instead of over a network. Typically,one or more servers 108 may be part of the network communications system100, and may communicate with host servers 104 and client devices 102.

One host device 104 may interact with a large number of users 114 at aplurality of different client devices 102. Accordingly, each host device104 is typically a high end computer with a large storage capacity, oneor more fast microprocessors, and one or more high speed networkconnections. Conversely, relative to a typical host device 104, eachclient device 102 typically includes less storage capacity, a singlemicroprocessor, and a single network connection. It should beappreciated that a user 114 as described herein may include any personor entity which uses the presently disclosed system and may include awide variety of parties. For example, as will be discussed in furtherdetail below, users 114 of the presently disclosed system may include aconsumer, a dealer, and/or a manufacturer.

Typically, host devices 104 and servers 108 store one or more of aplurality of files, programs, databases, and/or web pages in one or morememories for use by the client devices 102, and/or other host devices104 or servers 108. A host device 104 or server 108 may be configuredaccording to its particular operating system, applications, memory,hardware, etc., and may provide various options for managing theexecution of the programs and applications, as well as variousadministrative tasks. A host device 104 or server may interact via oneor more networks with one or more other host devices 104 or servers 108,which may be operated independently. For example, host devices 104 andservers 108 operated by a separate and distinct entities may interacttogether according to some agreed upon protocol.

A detailed block diagram of the electrical systems of an examplecomputing device (e.g., a client device 102, and a host device 104) isillustrated in FIG. 2. In this example, the computing device 102, 104includes a main unit 202 which preferably includes one or moreprocessors 204 electrically coupled by an address/data bus 206 to one ormore memory devices 208, other computer circuitry 210, and one or moreinterface circuits 212. The processor 204 may be any suitable processor,such as a microprocessor from the INTEL PENTIUM® family ofmicroprocessors. The memory 208 preferably includes volatile memory andnon-volatile memory. Preferably, the memory 208 stores a softwareprogram that interacts with the other devices in the system 100 asdescribed below. This program may be executed by the processor 204 inany suitable manner. In an example embodiment, memory 208 may be part ofa “cloud” such that cloud computing may be utilized by a computingdevices 102, 104. The memory 208 may also store digital data indicativeof documents, files, programs, web pages, etc. retrieved from acomputing device 102, 104 and/or loaded via an input device 214.

The interface circuit 212 may be implemented using any suitableinterface standard, such as an Ethernet interface and/or a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) interface. One or more input devices 214 may beconnected to the interface circuit 212 for entering data and commandsinto the main unit 202. For example, the input device 214 may be akeyboard, mouse, touch screen, track pad, track ball, isopoint, imagesensor, character recognition, barcode scanner, microphone, and/or aspeech/voice recognition system.

One or more displays 112, printers, speakers, and/or other outputdevices 216 may also be connected to the main unit 202 via the interfacecircuit 212. The display 112 may be a cathode ray tube (CRTs), a liquidcrystal display (LCD), or any other type of display. The display 112generates visual displays generated during operation of the computingdevice 102, 104. For example, the display 112 may provide a userinterface, which will be described in further detail below, and maydisplay one or more web pages received from a computing device 102, 104.A user interface may include prompts for human input from a user 114including links, buttons, tabs, checkboxes, thumbnails, text fields,drop down boxes, etc., and may provide various outputs in response tothe user inputs, such as text, still images, videos, audio, andanimations.

One or more storage devices 218 may also be connected to the main unit202 via the interface circuit 212. For example, a hard drive, CD drive,DVD drive, and/or other storage devices may be connected to the mainunit 202. The storage devices 218 may store any type of data, such aspricing data, transaction data, operations data, inventory data,commission data, manufacturing data, image data, video data, audio data,tagging data, historical access or usage data, statistical data,security data, etc., which may be used by the computing device 102, 104.

The computing device 102, 104 may also exchange data with other networkdevices 220 via a connection to the network 106. Network devices 220 mayinclude one or more servers 226, which may be used to store certaintypes of data, and particularly large volumes of data which may bestored in one or more data repository 222. A server 226 may include anykind of data 224 including databases, programs, files, libraries,pricing data, transaction data, operations data, inventory data,commission data, manufacturing data, configuration data, index ortagging data, historical access or usage data, statistical data,security data, etc. A server 226 may store and operate variousapplications relating to receiving, transmitting, processing, andstoring the large volumes of data. It should be appreciated that variousconfigurations of one or more servers 226 may be used to support andmaintain the system 100. For example, servers 226 may be operated byvarious different entities, including automobile manufacturers,brokerage services, automobile information services, etc. Also, certaindata may be stored in a client device 102 which is also stored on theserver 226, either temporarily or permanently, for example in memory 208or storage device 218. The network connection may be any type of networkconnection, such as an Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line(DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, wireless connection, etc.

Access to a computing device 102, 104 can be controlled by appropriatesecurity software or security measures. An individual users' 114 accesscan be defined by the computing device 102, 104 and limited to certaindata and/or actions. Accordingly, users 114 of the system 100 may berequired to register with one or more computing devices 102, 104. Forexample, registered users 114 may be able to request or manipulate data,such as submitting requests for pricing information or providing anoffer or a bid.

As noted previously, various options for managing data located withinthe computing device 102, 104 and/or in a server 226 may be implemented.A management system may manage security of data and accomplish varioustasks such as facilitating a data backup process. A management systemmay be implemented in a client 102, a host device 104, and a server 226.The management system may update, store, and back up data locally and/orremotely. A management system may remotely store data using any suitablemethod of data transmission, such as via the Internet and/or othernetworks 106.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide a block diagram showing an example automobiletransaction network structure 300. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, theexample automobile transaction network structure 300 includes anautomobile market information processing system 302, a consumerinterface 304, a dealer interface 306, and a manufacturer interface 308.The example automobile market information processing system 302 may beimplemented on one or more host devices 104 accessing one or moreservers 108, 226. In an example embodiment, the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 includes a database system 310, arecommendation engine 312, a vehicle identification number processor314, and an interface generation unit 316. A user 114 may be a consumer,a dealer, or a manufacturer that interacts with the consumer interface304, dealer interface 306, or manufacturer interface 308, respectively.A database system 310 may include a wide variety of automobile marketdata. A recommendation engine 312 may provide recommendations forconsumers, dealers, and manufacturers. A vehicle identification numberprocessor 314 may be used for making requests regarding specificautomobiles and automobiles with specific sets of features. For example,a vehicle identification number processor 314 may determine a specificset of features that a specific car has based on a picture of thatspecific car's vehicle identification number. Interface generation unit316 may provide, for example, HTML files which are used at the consumerinterface 304, dealer interface 306, and manufacturer interface 308interface to provide information to the users 114. It should beappreciated that he the consumer interface 304, dealer interface 306,and manufacturer interface 308 may be considered to be part of theautomobile market information processing system 302, however, fordiscussion purposes, the consumer interface 304, dealer interface 306,and manufacturer interface 308 may be referred to as separate from theautomobile market information processing system 302.

For example, a user 114 may interact with a consumer interface 304 toresearch new or used automobiles the user 114 is interested in buyingand/or selling. For example, a consumer may be looking for a four doorsedan with specific features, including a global positioning system(GPS), a sunroof, tinted windows, rated for at least thirty miles pergallon, four wheel drive, etc. The consumer may interact with theconsumer interface 304 by inputting required and/or desired features,monthly budget or full price, etc. The consumer interface 304 mayprovide a wide variety of features and specifications which the consumermay choose from in providing a request. Based on the information putinto the consumer interface 304 from the consumer, the consumerinterface 304 may provide one or more reports or offers to the consumer.As will be discussed in further detail below, the information providedby the consumer interface 304 may include current market prices forautomobiles, including information relating to additional features, andmay include information on specific automobiles, for example, which maybe en route to a dealer near the consumer's present location or may bealready owned by the consumer. The automobile market informationprocessing system 302 may process data received by the consumerinterface 304, as well as the dealer interface 306 and/or themanufacturer interface 308, to respond to a request from a consumer. Forexample, data from database system 310 may be queried for use in areport, or a recommendation may be provided by recommendation engine 312according to the consumer request and current market data. Theautomobile market information processing system 302 may integrate datareceived from consumer interface 304, dealer interface 306, andmanufacturer interface 308 to provide current and accurate informationrelating to the automobile market.

It should be appreciated that the consumer interface 304 may be specificto one particular manufacturer or may provide information forautomobiles manufactured by multiple different manufacturers. Forexample, a consumer interface 304 may be a website with information formany manufacturers. For example, the consumer interface 304 may accessor link to the manufacturer specific websites (e.g., Ford), particularlywith regard to new automobile information, but also for used automobileinformation. Also, for example, a consumer interface 304 may beimplemented as an automobile manufacturer's website. Typically, amanufacturer's website may provide consumers with a catalog like featurethat provides information on different automobile models with anyavailable options or features. For example, a manufacturer website mayallow a consumer to select options that are desired to “build” aparticular new automobile, and may provide price comparisons usingsuggested retail prices, which may consumers use for initial researchinto what pricing the dealer may offer for a particular automobile witha particular feature set. Also, typically, the consumer may enterinformation, including, for example, name, an address or zip code, andtelephone number. This information may be passed on from themanufacturer to a nearby dealer and/or nearby dealer information may beprovided to the consumer (e.g., the dealer in or nearest to theconsumer's entered zip code). Accordingly, the dealer may contact theconsumer, or the consumer may inquire with the dealer, regarding thespecific automobiles available on that dealer's lot and particularpricing being offered, etc. In many cases, consumers may not inquirewith dealers that the manufacturer may recommend, and similarly, dealersmay not diligently follow up with consumers that have an interest inpurchasing an automobile. Further, it should be appreciated that theinformation provided via a consumer interface 304 and/or a manufacturerwebsite may be very useful to consumers. For example, in the past,dealers often provided brochures with all the information on amanufacturer's available car models, including all the features andoptions information. However, dealers typically do not providecomprehensive information brochures, which may be relatively expensiveto produce, and rather, that information is typically located on amanufacturer website and/or a consumer interface 304. It should also beappreciated that information on a manufacturer website and/or a consumerinterface 304 may be directed to both new and used automobiles. Forexample, historical and statistical information which demonstratesfavorable safety ratings, quality and reliability data, low maintenancecosts, low insurance prices, low emissions, high gas mileage, etc. basedon specific models for specific years, and/or groups of models and yearsmay be provided on a manufacturer website and/or a consumer interface304.

Accordingly, the consumer interface 304 may provide a wide range ofinformation, for example, based on any searches or queries performed bya user 114. In an example embodiment, based on a user search or requestfor a response, the consumer interface 304 will display a quality indexor value index based on normalized calculations for an automobile. Therecommendation engine 312 may provide recommendations to a consumerbased on the current automobile market data stored in the automobilemarket information processing system 302. For example, metrics on gasmileage, emissions, operating and maintenance costs, safety ratings,etc. may be benchmarked against comparable automobiles of the same anddifferent manufacturers. Similar purchase options to a specific searchmay also be provided, based on feature matching, price range, consumerpopularity, etc. Information including price ranges, including MSRP,invoice prices, inventory levels, the user's 114 credit ratings (e.g.,FICO score), may be provided which may include monthly payment estimatesor projections. It should be appreciated that such data may be providedfor both new and used automobiles. For example, a financing calculatormay help a user 114 determine what financing rate is appropriate for anautomobile purchase. It should be appreciated that dealers may misleadconsumers into believing that a higher financing rate will be requiredto secure a loan. Further, for example, a lease vs. buy calculator maybe provided which may use current market data including prices, interestrates, incentives, estimated mileage per year, etc. for providing ananalysis for a particular consumer regarding purchasing or leasing.Also, the consumer interface 304 may provide a purchase checklist, forexample, of ten steps to buying a car. A qualitative checklist may allowa user to ask the right questions and get the right answers from adealer. Additional tips may be provided, such as a list of products orservices dealers may attempt to sell to a consumer with an analysis ofthe value of these products or services and a recommendation to acceptor decline these dealer offers. Further, beyond analysis relating toautomobiles, additional analysis or reports may be provided, forexample, relating to dealer reviews, other supplemental products,financial entities that may provide financing, etc. For example, dealerreviews may provide a consumer with information the consumer may use inaddition to automobile pricing and delivery options. Moreover, theconsumer interface 304 may provide a wide variety of useful informationto a consumer, for at home research and preparation, and/or in a dealerlocation while shopping as a negotiating tool that may provideconfirmation on pricing, useful tips, and the like. As will be discussedin FIG. 3B in further detail below, the consumer interface 304 mayinclude a used automobile seller interface 318 and a used automobilebuyer interface 320.

In an example embodiment, a dealer interface 306 may provide a user 114,such as a dealer employee, information relating to the currentautomobile market. The dealer interface 306 allows a dealer to interactwith automobile market information processing system 302 to provide thedealer with a wide variety of information, including, for example,current market pricing. Other automobile market information a dealer mayreceive on a dealer interface 306 includes information relating to lotinventory, turnover rates, automobile transportation and/or shippingcosts, incentives, and various ratings, such as ratings relating toquality, safety, insurance, a consumer credit score, dealer ratings,residual or resale values, etc. A dealer may input information intodealer interface 306 relating to sales data, including current pricingoffered, special sales offers, actual transaction data, inventory data,etc. In an example embodiment, the dealer may provide informationthrough dealer interface 306 which will be used by automobile marketinformation processing system 302 to prepare reports or offers toconsumers and/or manufacturers. It should be appreciated that a dealeris typically a franchise entity, while a distribution location may notbe a franchise entity. For brevity, throughout this specification, theterm dealer may be used to describe both franchise entity dealers andnon-franchise entity distribution location. Accordingly, as used in thisdisclosure, the term dealer does not indicate whether an entity is afranchise entity. Moreover, a franchise dealer or a non-franchisedistribution location may utilize a dealer interface 306 as describedherein.

In an example embodiment, a manufacturer interface 308 may provide auser 114, such as a manufacturer employee, information relating to thecurrent automobile market, including consumer requests. For example, anmanufacturer interface 308 may provide a manufacturer a request receivedfrom a consumer interface 304. Additionally, the manufacturer interface308 may provide information such as a report that allows themanufacturer to provide a response to the requesting consumer. A reportmay include information from database system 310 relating to currentmarket pricing, recent sales figures and trends, current manufacturerincentives, current inventory, including dealer inventory, inventory intransit, and/or build times or lead times for a desired automobile, etc.The manufacturer may use this information to provide a response to aconsumer request. The manufacturer may provide the manufacturerinterface 308 with information to provide a confirmation, averification, or an offer to a consumer via consumer interface 304. Forexample, a confirmation number associated with the particular consumerrequest may be provided for the consumer. Also, a recommendation may beprovided from the recommendation engine 312 to the manufacturer inrelation to automobile pricing, responding to a specific request,manufacturer incentives, inventory management, production schedules,shipping schedules, etc. It should be appreciated that a manufacturermay be referred to as an OEM or original equipment manufacturer.Further, it should be appreciated that a manufacturer may includevarious related affiliate entities all doing business as, or operatingunder, the same manufacturer name. For example, a manufacturer typicallymay include a manufacturing company (e.g., operating the manufacturingplant), a sales company (e.g., operating automobile sales activities),and a captive finance company (e.g., operating financing and leasingactivities). The manufacturer interface 308 may provide a manufacturerwith a real-time lens into the automobile market which may allow themanufacturer to adjust production schedules, pricing plans, marketingactivities, etc., which may provide a significant advantage formanufacturers.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, a consumer interface 304 may include a usedautomobile seller interface 318 and a used automobile buyer interface320. The used automobile seller interface 318 may be used by consumersellers to sell used automobiles, while the used automobile buyerinterface 320 may be used by consumers to buy used automobiles. Itshould be appreciated that consumers may be able to access bothinterfaces 318 and 320 from consumer interface 304. In an exampleembodiment, the used automobile seller interface 318 and a usedautomobile buyer interface 320 may be integrated within a single websiteor application, or for example, may be implemented as distinct websites.Similarly, in an example embodiment, a used automobile buyer interface320 may be integrated with features of a consumer interface 304 forsearching both new and used automobiles for purchase, or new and usedautomobiles may not be simultaneously searchable on a particularimplementation of a consumer interface 304. As will be discussed furtherbelow, a used automobile seller interface 318 may be used by a consumerseller of a specific used automobile to receive information on thespecific automobile and request bids for the specific automobile.Similarly, a used automobile buyer interface 320 may be used for usedautomobile buyers to receive information on a used automobile and placea bid on that specific automobile.

It should be appreciated that, for example, a consumer seller of a usedautomobile may be considered different than a dealer seller of a usedautomobile in some respects. For example, a consumer seller of a usedautomobile is often selling through different channels, such as offeringfor sale in classified advertisements versus from a dealer lot. Itshould be appreciated that such differences may be relevant to theability to maximize the value of a sale or purchase of a usedautomobile. Accordingly, where appropriate, the present disclosure maydistinguish a consumer seller from a dealer seller, or distinguish aconsumer buyer from a dealer buyer. Also, as discussed in further detailbelow, a manufacturer off-lease seller of a used automobile may also beconsidered different from a consumer seller and/or a dealer seller.

A dealer interface 306 may include a used automobile buyer interface322. For example, a typical dealer may use a dealer interface 306primarily for facilitating sales of new and used automobiles, however,the dealer interface 306 may also be used to facilitate purchasing usedautomobiles. For example, a used automobile buyer interface 322 may beused by dealers similarly to the way that the used automobile buyerinterface 320 may be used by consumers. It should be appreciated that inan example embodiment, the used automobile buyer interfaces 320, 322 maybe similar or the same, and/or may integrated as part of single websiteor application. In an example embodiment, a dealer may use the usedautomobile buyer interface 322 to facilitate bringing a consumer in topurchase a new automobile based on providing a competitive bid topurchase a used automobile as a trade in.

A manufacturer interface 308 may include a used automobile off-leaseinterface 324. For example, a manufacturer may use a manufacturerinterface 308 primarily for facilitating sales of new automobiles,however, the manufacturer interface 308 may also be used to facilitateselling off-lease automobiles which have been returned by a consumerlessor whose lease is expiring. For example, an off-lease sellerinterface 324 may be used by a manufacturer, typically, a captivefinance company of the manufacturer, similarly to the way that the usedautomobile seller interface 318 may be used by consumers. It should beappreciated that, a manufacturer off-lease seller may have limitedoptions to sell a used off-lease automobile and may have timeconstraints that are may be typically imposed on a consumer seller of aused automobile. Typically, an off-lease automobile may be dropped offby a consumer lessee at any one of a variety of dealer locations. Themanufacturer lessor may then wish to sell the used off-lease automobile,however, the dealer where the off-lease automobile was dropped off mayhave a significant bargaining advantage to purchase that automobile, asthe manufacturer may need to sell the off-lease automobile quickly andmay have limited options. Typically, the dealer may not offer themanufacturer off-lease seller full market value for the off-leaseautomobile. It should be appreciated that the manufacturer off-leaseseller may transport the car to an auction in an attempt to obtain ahigher price. However, transportation costs, auction fees, and delay inselling the off-lease automobile may cause the manufacturer off-leaseseller to accept less than market value for the off-lease automobilefrom the dealer, or otherwise not maximize the value of the off-leaseautomobile. For example, typically, an off-lease automobile sold atauction for near or even above the current market value is significantlyoffset by transportation costs and auction fees.

The off-lease seller interface 324 may provide a manufacturer off-leaseseller with leverage, not only through the ability to obtain bids topurchase the off-lease automobile, but through the ability to determinethe number of matches or search hits for an off-lease automobile. Thedealer that has the off-lease automobile may know that the manufacturermay have the ability to track searches for the off-lease automobileperformed by consumers and/or other dealers. The manufacturer off-leaseseller may provide the dealer in possession of an off-lease automobilewith matches and/or bids, which may provide the dealer with firmevidence of current demand or interest in the off-lease automobile. Thedealer may be able to use this information to determine an appropriateprice, and possibly even more profitably than the manufacturer.Accordingly, a dealer may often be inclined to make a significantly morecompetitive bid for an off-lease automobile. It should be appreciatedthat the manufacturer may use the off-lease seller interface 324 toidentify in-market buyers, and even without receiving bids from thosebuyers, the manufacturer's bargaining power may improve, resulting in agreater value for off-lease sales.

Accordingly, information may be provided to the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 from consumers, dealers, andmanufacturers with a very high degree of granularity, as everytransaction that occurs and even every request or search may be storedand used by the automobile market information processing system 302.This allows the automobile market information processing system 302 touse the most current automobile market data to provide information toconsumers, dealers, and manufacturers. It should be appreciated thatmarket prices can change relatively quickly, particularly when majorevents drive consumer behavior or manufacturer production, such asnatural disasters. Accordingly, reports and recommendations provided bythe automobile market information processing system 302 may be highlyaccurate, reliable, and sensitive to market changes.

It should be appreciated that the users 114 of the automobile marketinformation processing system 302, including consumers, dealers, andmanufacturers, and buyers and sellers of new and used automobiles, maybe required to agree to and/or execute a terms of use agreement or termsof service agreement. Various forms of enforcing the agreement may beimplemented, including a transaction deposit policy, which may require adeposit or a credit card hold, or the like, and a standard schedule offees or default payment schedule for infractions such as impropercondition of an automobile, delay in delivery, etc. Accordingly, allparties may be protected from another party breaching the agreement.

It should be appreciated that certain functions described as performed,for example, at automobile market information processing system 302, mayinstead be performed locally at consumer interface 304, dealer interface306, and manufacturer interface 308, or vice versa. Further, in certaincases, tasks may be performed using consumer interface 304, dealerinterface 306, and manufacturer interface 308 or, for example, performedin person, such as a consumer signing documents at a dealer location, ora dealer communicating with a manufacturer using a telephone. It shouldbe appreciated that the consumer interface 304, dealer interface 306,and manufacturer interface 308 may be implemented, for example, in a webbrowser using an HTML file received from the automobile marketinformation processing system 302. In an example embodiment, theconsumer interface 304, dealer interface 306, and manufacturer interface308 may be located on a website, and may further be implemented as asecure website. Also, consumer interface 304, dealer interface 306, andmanufacturer interface 308 may require a local application, for example,which a manufacturer or dealer may pay for to have access to, forexample, information from the automobile market information processingsystem 302 such as requests from consumers.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process 400 for facilitating a usedautomobile transaction. Although the process 400 is described withreference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4, it will be appreciatedthat many other methods of performing the acts associated with theprocess 400 may be used. For example, the order of many of the blocksmay be changed, certain blocks may be combined with other blocks, andmany of the blocks described are optional.

The example process 400 for facilitating a used automobile transactionmay allow users 114 to efficiently sell and purchase automobiles. Theexample process 400 may begin with automobile market data including atleast pricing data is stored in a database system (block 402). Forexample, automobile market data from dealers, consumers, andmanufacturers regarding pricing, inventory, insurance information,quality ratings, safety ratings, and other ratings is collected andstored in a database. For example, inventory data may include dataregarding off-lease automobiles, including scheduled drop off dates ofautomobiles with expiring leases. In an example embodiment, a widevariety of data is stored in a database system 310. Automobile marketdata may include various relevant ratings, reports, awards, or otherinformation, including quality information, safety information,insurance information, consumer credit information, dealer ratinginformation, incentive information, residual value information, and/orany other data which may be relevant to consumers. For example, ratingsdata may include information from the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),and/or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The data mayinclude information from a consumer interface 304, such as data inconsumer searches or requests, information from a dealer interface 306,such as currently offered dealer pricing, transaction data for finalizedsales, current inventory data, transport or shipping costs, andinformation from a manufacturer interface 308, such as currentmanufacturer prices and suggested pricing, manufacturer incentives, andcurrent inventory including finished inventory on hand, productionscheduling, shipment scheduling, inventory in transit, and manufacturinglead times. The automobile market data may be comprised solely ofinformation received from the consumer interface 304, dealer interface306, and manufacturer interface 308, or may include additionalinformation received from other sources, for example, industry analysts,consumer reports groups, government agencies, etc. It should beappreciated that various methods of storing the automobile market datamay be employed according to the system requirements. For example,database system 310 may be organized according to differentmanufacturers or dealers, automobile make and model, differentinformation categories (e.g., suggested pricing, market prices,production, shipping, lot inventory), etc., and may consist of one ormore databases on one or more servers 108, 226 which may be remotelylocated from each other and/or a host device 104 of the automobilemarket information processing system 302. As will be discussed furtherbelow, the automobile market data may be continually updated as new datais provided to the automobile market information processing system 302.

The automobile market data may be used by any or all parties involved ina used automobile transaction, including used automobile sellersincluding consumer sellers and manufacturer off-lease sellers, and usedautomobile buyers including consumer buyers and dealer buyers. In theexample process 400, as discussed further below, the used automobileseller described by way of example as a consumer seller. It should beappreciated that the example process 400 may work similarly or the samefor a manufacturer off-lease seller. In an example embodiment, theconsumer used automobile seller interface 318 and manufacturer off-leaseseller interface 324 may be provided as a combined interface. Certainaspects of the disclosed example process 400 may be of greater or lesseradvantage to a manufacturer off-lease seller compared with a consumerseller. For example, consumer sellers typically sell used automobilesinfrequently, while manufacturer off-lease sellers may be sellingthousands of used off-lease automobiles each month. Accordingly, thegoals of the user 114 may vary between consumer sellers and manufactureroff-lease sellers. Certain notable aspects that may be distinguishablebetween a consumer seller and manufacturer off-lease seller will bediscussed below.

The example process 400 continues with a consumer seller providing arequest for a response (block 404). For example, a used car seller takesa picture of the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a used car andfills in price parameters and other information into a mobileapplication to receive a response based on current market data. In anexample embodiment, the seller's request may be transmitted from usedautomobile seller interface 318, 324 via the internet to the automobilemarket information processing system 302. For example, using anapplication stored on a mobile device 103, the used car seller takes apicture of the VIN on the used car and fills in a minimum bid price,delivery parameters, etc. The seller's parameters may specify a pickuplocation by distance from an address, an area code, etc., which allowsfor matching the seller with buyers that are in-market. The picture ofthe VIN may be processed using optical character recognition, whichallows the automobile market information processing system 302 todetermine the make and model of the car, along with various othercharacteristics of the car. Also, for example, the used car seller maytake a picture of the odometer, and the mileage may be determined usingoptical character recognition. It should be appreciated that the VIN mayinclude human readable characters, a bar code, or any other graphical ormachine readable information which acts as a vehicle identificationnumber.

Also, the used car seller may input into a mobile application or websitea wide variety of additional information about the used car. Forexample, pictures of the used car may be uploaded with the request. Inan example embodiment, pictures of the exterior, interior, dashboard,and/or odometer may be provided. Also, for example, service records,ownership records, and other documents or information may be includedwith a request. Further, a written description of the car may beprovided. Accordingly, because the used car seller can provideinformation such as pictures, in addition to information which theseller may not have access to, such as the original manufacturerspecifications of the used car, potential buyers may have access to agreat deal of information on the used car. Further, in an exampleembodiment, a mobile application may include the geolocation of a usedcar seller, so the seller does not need to enter such information.Accordingly, the buyer may perform research, for example, while at homeor while shopping at a dealer location. It should be appreciated thatcertain used car buyers may be highly interested in the geolocation ofthe consumer seller. For example, a dealer may find the consumerseller's geolocation to be more important than a consumer buyer, becausea dealer may require a minimal cost for picking up a car to ensureprofitability, and to optimize the opportunity for creating a newcustomer relationship. Similarly, certain used automobile sellers may bevery interested in the geolocation of the used automobile buyer. Forexample, a manufacturer off-lease seller may have a high interest indetermining the amount of in-market interest or demand for an off-leaseautomobile.

In an example embodiment, a manufacturer off-lease seller may provide arequest for a response for an automobile that will be dropped off by aconsumer lessee in the near future. For example, a manufacturer user 114may input a VIN into off-lease seller interface 324 by typing, speaking,or providing an image of the VIN. The manufacturer off-lease seller mayprovide a parameter that the used off-lease automobile will be availableonly after a certain date. The manufacturer off-lease seller may findthat providing a request for a response prior to the consumer lesseeactually dropping off an off-lease automobile may significantly improvethe value of off-lease automobiles. It should be appreciated that thedealer where the consumer lessee drops off the off-lease automobile maybe bargaining without any particular advantage because the manufactureroff-lease seller may have multiple interested used automobile buyersthat, based on search parameters, have received the off-lease automobileas a match, and/or bids from used automobile buyers.

Used car buyers may perform a search with used automobile buyerinterfaces 320, 322, and may typically include parameters limiting thesearch to a specific automobile type, make, or model, certain options orfeatures, a price range, and a pickup location or area. Further, forexample, the buyer may take a picture of a VIN anywhere or manually typein a VIN number, including at automobile trade shows, mall displays, oranywhere new or used cars are for sale. The buyer may even take apicture of a car parked in the street as the buyer walks down thestreet. Any request or query communicated from the consumer interface304 may be stored, for example, in database system 310, thereby updatingthe automobile market information processing system 302 with currentautomobile market data.

The example process 400 may continue with providing automobile marketdata to used automobile buyers based on the consumer seller request(block 406). For example, a group of consumers and dealers receive areal-time report including local used car sales data, inventory data,quality and safety ratings data, insurance data, and gas mileage data ofthe specific used car which is identified based on the VIN. The group ofconsumers and dealers that receive a real-time report may be based onprior searches conducted by consumers on used automobile buyer interface320 and searches conducted by dealers with used automobile buyerinterface 322. In an example embodiment, a report may include qualityinformation, safety information, insurance information, recallinformation, EPA gas mileage and emissions information, consumer creditinformation (e.g., buyer FICO score), dealer rating information,incentive information, residual value information, and/or any other datawhich may be relevant to consumers and/or dealers. In an exampleembodiment, a report may include a specific history information for thespecific used car, such as a CARFAX report. The request and/or thereport may be provided in real-time and may also provide real-time data.Data reported based on a real-time updates in the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 may provide significant advantages,for example, when pricing conditions may change quickly due tounforeseen market conditions. The recommendation engine 312 may providerecommendations to a used automobile buyer based on the currentautomobile market data. For example, a report may indicate variousestimated sales probabilities for different prices that the usedautomobile buyer may offer or bid. In an example embodiment, a estimatedsale price or range may be provided. For example, a probability analysismay be provided with prices and corresponding probabilities may beestimated as, e.g., 80% chance to purchase at $6,000; 60% chance topurchase at $5,500; 30% chance to purchase at $5,000; 10% chance topurchase at $4,500. Such information may be illustrated in various ways,such as a bell curve graph or a chart. Further, for example, therecommendation engine may provide daily suggestions (e.g., a deal of theday) for dealers and/or consumers. Consumers may use such suggestions tosave money or get a better value on a used car purchase by buying fromanother consumer rather than a dealer. Dealers may use such suggestionsto purchase used cars at good deals, and/or to attract consumers tovisit the dealer in person or online, as well as prepare responses orbids to other consumer requests. Dealers or consumers may customize theused automobile buyer interface 320, 322 to provide information in apre-specified manner to suit the particular needs of the specific dealeror consumer. In an example embodiment, a manufacturer off-lease sellermay receive automobile market data including inventory informationincluding data regarding off-lease cars which have been dropped off atdealer locations and cars which will soon be coming off-lease. Further,dealers and/or consumers may be able to receive information regardingoff-lease cars as well. For example, information may include a specificautomobile identified by a VIN with an expected drop off location anddate based on a lease expiration.

A bid to purchase the used automobile from the consumer seller isrequested from used automobile buyers (block 408). For example, a groupof consumers and dealers within a certain radius of the used car sellerlocation may receive a bid request based on used automobile buyersearches via used automobile buyer interfaces 320, 322. Each usedautomobile buyer's bid may include, for example, a price and a deliveryoption or delivery suggestion. The used automobile buyer interfaces 320,322 may provide for simple input of necessary and optional data.Further, a used automobile buyer's bid may contain certain limitations,restrictions, or conditions. For example, a dealer may provide a bidwith the condition that a new car be purchased and the used car betraded in at the bid price.

In an example embodiment, the request may provide one or more options,products, services, or add-ons for a used automobile buyer to selectfrom. For example, used automobile buyers may be able to selectfinancing options, warranties, extended service contracts, insuranceplans, or other hard add accessories. These selectable options may beoffered directly from the used automobile seller or may be offeredthrough the automobile market information processing system 302.Accordingly, a seller may not be offering any options for a buyer toselect, but the system may automatically provide the option to purchasefurther add-ons. In an example embodiment, automobile market informationprocessing system 302 may provide for third party providers of add-onsto provide live auction bids for a used automobile buyer to select forinclusion in a bid. Accordingly, for example, several insurancecompanies may provide a bid for key insurance, or several financialcompanies may provide bids for a loan. It should be appreciated thatcertain bids may depend on the particular buyer, so for example, abuyer's credit or driving record may cause different buyers to receivedifferent third party bids for add-ons. For example, a particular buyermay be able to increase a bid to purchase a used automobile if thirdparty add-ons are particularly advantageous, which may benefit aconsumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller. For example, a buyermay receive a better than expected interest rate and insurance price,and therefore be able to offer an additional $1,000 to the seller, whilestaying within the buyer's predetermined monthly budget. It should beappreciated that third parties may include dealers which may beotherwise involved in a transaction. Also, in an example embodiment, theautomobile market information processing system 302 may provide at nocharge to the buyers or sellers, certain add-ons, such as a limitedthirty day warranty. Accordingly, the automobile market informationprocessing system 302 may gain trust from buyers even if the buyersgenerally do not trust the sellers. It should also be appreciated that abuyer may not select any add-ons offered by third parties and/or theautomobile market information processing system 302. A used automobileseller may have no interest in whether a buyer selects any add-ons, orthe seller may receive additional compensation if an add-on is selected,so a buyer selection of add-ons may or may not affect a seller's valueassociated with the buyer's bid.

One or more buyer bids are provided to the consumer seller (block 410).For example, several consumers and dealers provide bids based on currentpricing data, options information of the specific used car, andpotential pickup locations, so several different prices and deliveryoptions may be available to the used car seller via the used automobileseller interface 318. Typically, the bid will include at least aspecified price and pickup time and location. In an example embodiment,a used car seller that has taken a picture of a VIN with a mobile deviceand entered some basic information such as an odometer reading mayreceive used car buyer bids within minutes or seconds on the mobiledevice. Accordingly, the bids may be used in real-time as the consumerseller may be actively selling a used car or shopping for a new or usedcar, for example, on a dealer lot. Typically, a pickup location will beat the consumer seller location, a consumer buyer location, or at adealer lot or distribution location. In an example embodiment, theconsumer buyer location may be determined using the geolocation of thebuyer's mobile device 103. It should be appreciated that some consumersmay be flexible as to the delivery options and that some dealers mayhave multiple locations which could serve as a pickup location. In anexample embodiment, the automobile market data may indicate that theparticular used car that a consumer seller has requested bids for shouldbe priced at, for example, $6,000. However, various factors may affectthe bid or offer that a consumer or dealer may make for the specificused car. For example, for a consumer, personal preference for certainfeatures or looks, convenience, insurance implications, gas mileage,and/or service records, may play a large role in pricing a bid above orbelow a suggested bid price. For example, for a dealer, the potentialfor forming a customer relationship, the value of potential other sales,add-on products, and/or services, or competition with other parties. Allused automobile buyers that are interested may place a bid for a usedcar seller's consideration.

It should be appreciated that various alternative delivery options maybe provided from several used automobile buyers' bids, for example,based on preferences or parameters indicated by the consumer seller ofthe used automobile. For example, the used automobile seller interface318 may provide several different bids with different delivery optionsand prices to the used car seller, for example, a price of $6,000 todrop off the car at an out of state dealer the next day or a price of$5,500 to drop off the car at a local consumer buyer location in fivedays. For example, a consumer buyer may determine the cost of picking upthe used car from the consumer seller and provide two pricing anddelivery options, for example, $5,500 to pick up the used car from theconsumer seller or $5,800 to have the used car delivered to the consumerbuyer's home. For example, a manufacturer off-lease seller may reviewbid prices and delivery options on a number factors on used automobileseller interface 324, but may be very interested in finding an in-marketbuyer to eliminate transportation costs. A manufacturer off-lease sellermay often have somewhat different concerns than a consumer seller. Forexample, to meet a quarterly budget, a manufacturer off-lease seller maybe primarily interested eliminating a high back log of off-lease carseven if selling cars at a significant discount is required.

Further, for example, used automobile buyers may use information such asratings data to optimize their bids. For example, if gasoline prices areincreasing, mileage ratings for a particular car may dictate increasingor decreasing a bid. If a vehicle has very good gas mileage, and gasprices are skyrocketing, that car may have an increasing demand as gasprices increase, or vice versa. Similarly, safety ratings of vehiclesmay be important to consumer demand if high profile problems haveappeared for a particular automobile style, make, or model. As discussedabove, various automobile market information may be used by a usedautomobile buyer including safety information, insurance information,consumer credit information, dealer rating information, incentiveinformation, residual value information, and/or any other data which maybe relevant.

The used automobile seller interface 318, 324 may organize usedautomobile buyer bids based on a variety of factors and may providesupplemental information. For example, certain buyer bids may beselected as the best options, all buyer bids may be summarized, variousadditional ratings, reviews, or popularity information, special offers,etc. may also be provided to a consumer along with any used automobilebuyer bids. The recommendation engine 312 may provide recommendations toa consumer seller based on the current automobile market data. Forexample, of ten used automobile buyer bids provided with a response,three bids may be recommended, for example, as “Great Deals!” It shouldbe appreciated that in some cases, a particular used car seller requestmay not return any buyer bids, for example, if the used car for sale isin low demand or a unique item with a limited market. Also, for example,if only one or two bids are received, the recommendation engine 312 mayrecommend that a consumer seller wait for a better bid because the bidsprovided are not competitive offers based on the current automobilemarket data stored in the database system 310. Further, in an exampleembodiment, buyer bids may be organized according to distance to apickup location, highest price, closest match to the consumer sellerentered criteria, a normalized quality index or value index, etc. Theconsumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may be able to togglebetween different viewing options for buyer bids.

Further, in an example embodiment, a consumer seller may be at a dealerlot (e.g., a Nissan dealer) and take a picture of a VIN on a used car(e.g., a Maxima), which the consumer seller intends to trade in. A bidfrom a competing dealer (e.g., a Toyota dealer) across the street may bereceived on the mobile device within seconds and include information fora competing trade in value, and may have further information relating toother new or used cars which may be intended to cause the consumerseller to go to the competing dealer, for example, including variousprice comparisons, gas mileage ratings, safety ratings, residual value,driving directions to the competing dealer, etc. Accordingly, a consumerseller may weigh the pros and cons of various used automobile buyer bidsfrom consumers and/or dealers, based on delivery options, pricing, andany other relevant variants. Any bids communicated from used automobilebuyer interfaces 320, 322 may be stored, for example, in database system310, to further update the automobile market information processingsystem 302 with current automobile market data.

The consumer seller selects a buyer bid including a price and a deliveryoption (block 412). For example, the used car seller chooses to sell theused car based on the price and the pickup location of a consumer buyerbid. The seller may select an offer with a specified price and deliveryoption on the used automobile seller interface 318, 324. The used carseller may have been weighing two or more different delivery options,price differences, etc., based on the response(s) received through theused automobile seller interface 318, 324. As noted above, the usedautomobile seller interface 318 may organize received bids and otherhelpful information in a variety of ways, which may make the informationeasier for a consumer seller to digest. It should be appreciated that aconsumer seller will typically want to deliver a used car at aconvenient location, often at or near the seller's home. Accordingly,used automobile buyers may attempt to provide delivery options tailoredtowards maximizing profit and convenience, while still providing asuperior bid to other used automobile buyers. By providing multiple bidswith different delivery options, the consumer seller may be allowed tomake extra money or save time based on the seller's particularsituation. It should be appreciated that the consumer seller selectionof a bid may, for example, occur simultaneously with the consumer sellerand used automobile buyer executing the sale or providing a deposit ordown payment, or the like (see, e.g., block 414). Accordingly, in anexample embodiment, once a consumer seller or manufacturer off-leaseseller selects a bid, the used automobile buyer has effectivelypurchased the car, and both parties do not need to worry about the otherparty backing out of the deal.

It should be appreciated that a consumer seller may not want to drive toa distant pickup location without first receiving some form of deposit,or likewise, a used automobile buyer may not want to go to a distantpickup location to without assurance that the used automobile willactually be available for pickup and in good working order. Likewise, amanufacturer off-lease seller may be concerned with obtaining maximumvalue for an off-lease automobile within the required time constraints,but transportation costs may be strictly budgeted. The automobile marketinformation processing system 302 may accommodate for deposits toprovide any reasonable or necessary assurances to both buyers andsellers. For example, the automobile market information processingsystem 302 may provide and/or require the use of a terms of serviceagreement, which the consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease sellerand the used automobile buyer may sign and agree to the terms providedtherein. For example, a credit card could be charged a default paymentin the event that either party breaches the terms of service agreement.In an example embodiment, a schedule of various breaches may requiredifferent default payments, for example, if a buyer determines aheadlight does not work, a standard $30 fee may be assessed from theconsumer seller. Also, a variable default agreement may be based on adistance between a seller and a buyer, so that a party which travels agreat distance may be compensated if the other party breaches theagreement. Also, for example, a time period for inspection may bespecified in a request and/or a bid. A bid may be conditional based onone or more seller representations. Moreover, a terms of serviceagreement may provide assurances for any issues which may arise in thesale of a used car, and may provide one or more options based on abreach, including payment of fees or nullification of a bid acceptanceand/or sale execution. Any consumer seller selections, counter offers,or additional requests or responses may be stored in database system310, as the communications are processed by automobile marketinformation processing system 302, providing further data updates.Accordingly, in an example embodiment, a consumer seller may select abid in order to sell the used car, and that sale information may then beprovided to another consumer searching for information regarding thesame type of car with similar features, for example, the next day.

The consumer seller and the used automobile buyer execute the sale ofthe used automobile (block 414). For example, the used automobile buyerelectronically signs a contract and performs an electronic fundstransfer or credit card payment. After a buyer bid is selected, anelectronic contract may be prepared by the automobile market informationprocessing system 302 and provided for the used automobile buyer who maye-sign the contract or other documentation as needed. Similarly, theconsumer seller may e-sign the contract or other documentation asneeded, either prior to selecting a bid, at the time of selecting a bid,or at a later time. A contract may be e-signed through the usedautomobile seller interface 318, 324, and the used automobile buyerinterface 320, 322, respectively. In another example embodiment, papercopies of a contract may be signed, for example, after the usedautomobile buyer prints them or receives them through the mail. In anexample embodiment, the used automobile buyer may provide cash or apaper check. It should be appreciated that the process of executing acontract may take some time. Also, it should be appreciated that, forexample, the consumer seller selection of a bid discussed above (see,e.g., block 412) may occur simultaneously with the consumer executingthe sale. Once the sale is completed, the actual transaction dataincluding the final sale price, may be provided to and stored indatabase system 310. Accordingly, the automobile market informationprocessing system 302 may be updated with current automobile market datafrom every step in the used car sales process between a consumer selleror manufacturer off-lease seller and a used automobile buyer. In anexample embodiment, the updates provided to the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 are provided in real-time, forexample, data may be transmitted and processed within seconds orminutes. Further, for example, it should be appreciated that certaindata may be provided to the automobile market information processingsystem 302 according to a batch processing schedule.

Next, the consumer seller makes the purchased used automobile availableaccording to the consumer seller bid selection (block 416). For example,the seller drives the used car to the pickup location if the pickuplocation is not the used car seller's location. It should be appreciatedthat the consumer seller or a manufacturer off-lease seller and the usedautomobile buyer may use a wide variety of locations as a pickuplocation, and may work out a delivery option which is convenient forboth parties. A consumer seller may interact with the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 using used automobile seller interface318, for example, to provide notification that a car is at the pickuplocation and ready for delivery. A manufacturer off-lease seller mayinteract with the automobile market information processing system 302using used automobile seller interface 324, for example, to providenotification that a car has been dropped off by a consumer lessee and isat the pickup location and ready for delivery to the buyer. Similarly, anotification may be sent via used automobile buyer interface 322, 322 tothe used car buyer that the used car is available for pickup at thespecified location.

Finally, the used automobile buyer receives the purchased usedautomobile according to the consumer seller selected delivery option(block 418). For example, the used car buyer receives the used car atthe pickup location the same day the sale is executed. The used carbuyer may pick up the car without ever having to talk to or negotiate,in person or over the telephone, with the consumer seller ormanufacturer off-lease seller. For example, the used car buyer mayarrive at the pickup location, show identification and provide a proofof purchase, and be provided the keys to the car by the seller. Theparties may sign paperwork indicating or confirming the car has beenpicked up. Proof of purchase documentation may include any or alldocuments that are legally required for an automobile sale for a givenjurisdiction, for example, the title, odometer statement, or any otherdocument required by the Department of Motor Vehicles. For example, theconsumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may be required toprovide any legally required documents to fully execute and record thesale of the used car.

Further, in an example embodiment, a consumer seller or manufactureroff-lease seller may offer various insurance policies or servicecontracts to a used car buyer, for example, etch insurance, keyinsurance, gap insurance, or a ninety day warranty may be provided. Forexample, a consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may purchaseinsurance through the automobile market information processing system302 in placing a request for bids, which may increase interest frombuyers. Also, for example, an insurance policy or service contract maybe provided for a used car being sold at no charge to the consumerseller or manufacturer off-lease seller, for example, as a convenienceto all users 114 using the disclosed system. For example, key insurancemay be provided at no cost to both the consumer seller and the used carbuyer. It should be appreciated that, for example, using optionsprovided through the automobile market information processing system302, a consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may sell orprovide any add-on products or services that a dealer would typicallyoffer or provide in the sale of a used automobile. Also, if the usedautomobile buyer is a dealer, additional products or services may beoffered to the consumer seller at the time of pickup. For example, thedealer may offer new or used cars, including related financing options,warranties, service plans, insurance plans, and hard add accessories tothe buyer, as discussed in further detail above.

Accordingly, it should be appreciated that consumers, manufacturers, anddealers, may receive significant benefits from the method offacilitating a used automobile transaction disclosed herein. Consumersthat are selling and buying used automobiles may benefit from morecompetitive pricing, piece of mind knowing that a fair market price isbeing offered for prospective purchases or sales, and improved deliveryoptions that allow the consumer to weigh the benefits and drawbacks ofdifferent delivery options, pricing, and other variables. In an exampleembodiment, consumers can view prices paid for comparable cars inspecific locations based on the automobile market data in the automobilemarket information processing system 302, for example, within a certaintime frame such as one month and within a certain proximity to theconsumer. Manufacturers selling off-lease automobiles may benefit fromreduced transportation costs, saving auction fees, and an improvedbargaining position with a dealer in possession of an off-leaseautomobile. For example, the ability to identify in-market buyers may beparticularly advantageous to manufacturer off-lease sellers, which maybe able to identify matching searches of in-market buyers. Also, dealersand/or various third parties may benefit from the opportunity to sellinsurance, credit, service contracts, hard add accessories, and otheradd-ons with used automobiles. Moreover, various inefficiencies in theautomobile industry may be minimized utilizing the presently disclosedsystem and method.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example data architecture 500.In the example data architecture 500, interface data 502, administrativedata 504, and automobile market data 506 interact with each other, forexample, based on user commands or requests. The interface data 502,administrative data 504, and automobile market data 506 may be stored onany suitable storage medium (e.g., server 226). It should be appreciatedthat different types of data may use different data formats, storagemechanisms, etc. Further, various applications may be associated withprocessing interface data 502, administrative data 504, and automobilemarket data 506. Various other or different types of data may beincluded in the example data architecture 500.

Interface data 502 may include input and output data of various kinds.For example, input data may include mouse click data, scrolling data,hover data, keyboard data, touch screen data, voice recognition data,etc., while output data may include image data, text data, video data,audio data, etc. Interface data 502 may include formatting, userinterface options, links or access to other websites or applications,and the like. Interface data 502 may include applications used toprovide or monitor interface activities and handle input and outputdata.

Administrative data 504 may include data and applications regarding useraccounts. For example, administrative data 504 may include informationused for updating accounts, such as creating or modifying consumeraccounts and/or dealer accounts. Further, administrative data 504 mayinclude access data and/or security data. Administrative data 504 mayinclude a terms of service agreement. Administrative data 504 mayinteract with interface data in various manners, providing a userinterface 304, 306, 308 with administrative features, such asimplementing a user login and the like.

Automobile market data 506 may include, for example, executed sales data508, consumer data 510, dealer data 512, manufacturer data 514,statistical data 516, and/or historical data 518. Executed sales data508 may include actual negotiated prices for manufacturer and dealersales, differences in list prices to negotiated prices, salesdemographics, etc. Consumer data 510 may include consumer searchactivity, consumer requests and offers, consumer feedback, etc. Dealerdata 512 may include dealer pricing, including list prices, sale pricesfor limited time dealer offers or deals of the day, negotiationinformation such as bottom line pricing, offers received, foot trafficactivity, and dealer inventory data, including current on location data,automobile turnover rates, etc. Manufacturer data 514 may includemanufacturer pricing, including suggested pricing, preferred dealerpricing, etc., manufacturer incentives including cash rebates, speciallease rates, special APR rates, zero down offers, lifetime warranties,guaranteed trade-in offers, etc., and inventory information includingdealer inventory, inventory by location, inventory in transit,manufacturing or production lead times or build times, productionscheduling, shipping scheduling, lease information, etc. Statisticaldata 516 may include information used for providing reports includinggraphs, forecasts, recommendations, calculators, depreciation schedules,tax information, etc., including equations and other data used forstatistical analysis. Historical data 518 may include past sales data,such as historical list prices, actual sale prices, manufacturer anddealer margins, operating costs, service costs or profitability, loyaltyinformation, etc. It should be appreciated that data may fall under oneor more categories of automobile market data 506, and/or change with thepassage of time. For example, industry analyst data may includehistorical data 518 and statistical data 516 relating to safety orquality reports, efficiency data, recall data, and the like for usedautomobiles, which may be organized or re-organized under variouscategories of automobile market data 506 as time passes or assupplemental data is provided to the automobile market informationprocessing system 302. It should be appreciated that a systemadministrator may load data into the automobile market informationprocessing system 302 as it becomes available. For example, annual,quarterly, and/or monthly reports relating to safety, insurance, etc.,may be input into automobile market data 506 on a regular basis. Itshould also be appreciated that automobile market data 506 may betailored for a particular manufacturer and/or dealer, for example, amanufacturer may request that a specific type of data that is notnormally stored or used be stored in the database system 310.Accordingly, for example, customized reports may be provided to amanufacturer interface 308 using that specific data for themanufacturer, for example, relating to resale values of usedautomobiles.

The integration of the various types of automobile market data 506received from the consumer interface 304, dealer interface 306, andmanufacturer interface 308 may provide a synergistic and optimalresource for consumers, dealers, and manufacturers alike. In an exampleembodiment, a used automobile seller and a used automobile buyer maybenefit greatly from using an application in a mobile device 103 toprovide a request for buyer bids on a used automobile by taking apicture of the VIN of the used automobile, for example, using usedautomobile seller interface 318, 324. Used automobile buyers may searchfor used automobiles for sale by consumer sellers, for example, usingused automobile buyer interface 320. The used automobile buyers mayreceive intrabrand and/or interbrand seller request information inreal-time. The intrabrand and interbrand information provided on theused automobile buyer interface 320 may allow the best automobileoptions for a particular consumer to be provided to that consumer, andmay allow consumer sellers, manufacturer off-lease sellers, and dealersto compete with each other taking into account a greater amount ofautomobile market information, which may result in a more efficientautomobile market. Consumers that are selling used automobiles andconsumers that are buying used automobiles may similarly receivebenefits from the presently disclosed system. Also, as discussed above,manufacturer off-lease sellers may benefit greatly from the presentlydisclosed system, for example, using bids and/or matches or search hitsfor an off-lease automobile to improve bargaining power with a dealer inpossession of the off-lease automobile and other dealers and/orconsumers.

Automobile market data 506 may be maintained in various servers 108, indatabases or other files. It should be appreciated that, for example, ahost device 104 may manipulate automobile market data 506 in accordancewith the administrative data 504 and interface data 502 to providerequests or reports to users 114 including consumers, dealers, andmanufacturers, and perform other associated tasks. It should also beappreciated that automobile market data 506 represents automobile marketinformation, and that these terms may be used interchangeably in thisdisclosure depending upon the context.

FIG. 6 is flow diagram illustrating an example process 600 forfacilitating a used automobile transaction, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. Although the process 600 isdescribed with reference to the flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 6, itwill be appreciated that many other methods of performing the actsassociated with the process 600 may be used. For example, the order ofmany of the blocks may be changed, certain blocks may be combined withother blocks, and many of the blocks described are optional.

In the example process 600, data may flow between the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 and a used automobile seller interface318, 324 and a used automobile buyer interface 320, 322, as discussedabove based on used automobile seller and buyer interaction with theautomobile market information processing system 302. As discussed above,a used automobile seller interface 318 and used automobile buyerinterface 320 may be included in a consumer interface 304, a usedautomobile buyer interface 322 may be included a dealer interface 306,and a used automobile seller interface 324 may be included in amanufacturer interface 308. It should be appreciated that the automobilemarket information processing system 302 may update the automobilemarket information stored in the database system 310 when automobilemarket information is received from a buyer or seller, and/or aconsumer, a dealer, a manufacturer, an industry analyst, and/or from anyother information source. Accordingly, the automobile market informationmay remain current and/or provide sufficiently recent data for thebenefit of consumers, dealers, and/or manufacturers.

The example process 600 may begin with a consumer seller or amanufacturer off-lease seller of a used automobile taking a picture ofthe VIN using a mobile phone application and entering in informationsuch as pricing parameters (block 602). The used automobile sellerinterface 318, 324 may use OCR to determine and provide the VIN andpricing parameters to the automobile market information processingsystem 302 as a consumer seller request or a manufacturer off-leaseseller request (block 604). It should be appreciated that OCR may occurin the automobile market information processing system 302 or at theused automobile seller interface 318, 324. The automobile marketinformation processing system 302 receives the seller request andprepares automobile market information based on the seller request(block 606). The automobile market information processing system 302 maysend a bid request and automobile market information based on the sellerrequest to the used auto buyer interface 320, 322 for one or moreconsumers and/or dealers (block 608). It should be appreciated thatwhile the seller request is automobile market information, typically,additional automobile market information would be provided with theseller request. For example, typically, data relating to recent sales ofsimilar used automobiles and/or comparable automobiles may be provided.In an example embodiment, a target price or “true” value of the usedautomobile, or an expected price range, may be provided. Also, forexample, various gas mileage data, safety ratings, recall information,quality reports, estimated insurance costs, and the like may beprovided. Further, add-on products or services, such as insurance,credit, warranties, service contracts, or hard add accessories, whichmay be determined based on a third party bidding process, may also beprovided. One or more used automobile buyers, including consumers and/ordealers, receive the bid request and automobile market information,determine prices and delivery options for the used automobile using theautomobile market information, and prepare and provide bids for theconsumer seller or a manufacturer off-lease seller (block 610). A buyerbid may be sent from the used automobile buyer interface 320, 322 to theautomobile market information processing system 302 for each consumerand/or dealer that wants to provide a bid (block 612). The automobilemarket information processing system 302 receives and processes buyerbids and prepares the bids and automobile market data for the consumerseller or manufacturer off-lease seller (block 614).

The automobile market information processing system 302 may send buyerbids and automobile market information to the used automobile sellerinterface 318, 324 (block 616). It should be appreciated that automobilemarket information may be provided to the consumer seller ormanufacturer off-lease seller before buyer bids are provided, and/orconcurrently with buyer bids. The seller may receive the buyer bids andautomobile market information and may select a bid including a deliveryoption based on the automobile market information (block 618). The usedautomobile seller interface 318, 324 may send to the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 a selection of a bid indicating thatthe consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller wants to sell theused automobile based on the selected bid (block 620). The automobilemarket information processing system 302 receives and processes theseller bid selection (block 622). For example, the automobile marketinformation processing system 302 may send the bid selection to the usedautomobile buyer interface 320, 322 (block 624). The used automobilebuyer may receive the bid selection and coordinate a sale by, forexample, setting up a pick up time and location for the used automobileat the seller location or the buyer location (block 626). Also, forexample, the automobile market information processing system 302 mayprovide contract or loan documents, collect a deposit or down payment,or the like, from the consumer seller, the manufacturer off-leaseseller, and/or the used automobile buyer. As discussed above, in each ofblocks 606, 614, and 622, the automobile market information processingsystem 302 may update the automobile market information in the databasesystem 310 based on the information received from the consumer,manufacturer, and/or dealer.

For exemplary purposes, the present disclosure discusses a variousexamples relating to a purchase of a used car. However, it should beappreciated that the disclosed system, methods, and apparatus may beadvantageously used in relation to various used automobiles other thancars including, for example, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles,jeeps, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and/or automobiles that have aVIN and require a license plate to operate.

It will be appreciated that all of the disclosed methods and proceduresdescribed herein can be implemented using one or more computer programsor components. These components may be provided as a series of computerinstructions on any conventional computer-readable medium, includingRAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, optical memory, orother storage media. The instructions may be configured to be executedby a processor, which when executing the series of computer instructionsperforms or facilitates the performance of all or part of the disclosedmethods and procedures.

Further, it will be appreciated that the presently disclosed system,methods, and apparatus for performing used automobile transactions maybe utilized in conjunction with other systems or methods. For example,the presently disclosed system, methods, and apparatus may be used inconjunction with the disclosure in the co-pending commonly-owned patentapplications filed on Jul. 5, 2011, entitled “AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTIONFACILITATION USING A MANUFACTURER RESPONSE,” application Ser. No.13/176,497, and entitled “AUTOMOBILE TRANSACTION FACILITATION BASED ONCUSTOMER SELECTION OF A SPECIFIC AUTOMOBILE,” application Ser. No.13/176,525, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated byreference herein, and in an example embodiment, the features of whichmay be combined with the features of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to theexample embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilledin the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and withoutdiminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that suchchanges and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A method comprising: storing, ona computer readable medium, automobile market data which isrepresentative of recent automobile market characteristics, including atleast pricing data, wherein the automobile market data includesinformation received from at least a plurality of consumers; receiving,via a used automobile consumer seller interface, a first request for aresponse regarding a first used automobile, the first request made by aconsumer used automobile seller located at a first location andincluding a vehicle identification number and geolocation information ofthe consumer used automobile seller; executing instructions, by at leastone processing device, to: determine, using on the geolocationinformation, that the consumer used automobile seller is located at thefirst location; generate, based on the determined first location, anin-market used automobile buyer area; determine that at least one usedautomobile buyer is located within the in-market used automobile buyerarea; provide first automobile market data, based on the first request,via a used automobile buyer interface; request, via the used automobilebuyer interface from the at least one used automobile buyer, a bid topurchase the first used automobile based on the first request; receive,via the used automobile buyer interface, at least one bid from at leastone used automobile buyer, the at least one bid including a first bidfrom a first used automobile buyer located at a second location withinthe in-market used automobile buyer area; generate, based on receivingthe first bid, driving directions from the first location to the secondlocation; and provide the response including the first bid via the usedautomobile consumer seller interface, the first bid including at least aprice for the first used automobile, and the response including thedriving directions from the first location to the second location; andreceiving a consumer used automobile seller selection of the first bid,wherein the consumer used automobile seller selection indicates aconsumer used automobile seller intention to sell the first usedautomobile based on the first bid to the first used automobile buyer. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the first request is made by a consumeron a website.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicleidentification number is manually entered by a consumer.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first request is made by a consumer using amobile device which takes a picture of a vehicle identification number.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the vehicle identification number isrecognized using optical character recognition.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the first request is made by a consumer using a mobile deviceincluding a microphone, and the vehicle identification number is inputvia the microphone.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the vehicleidentification number is recognized using speech recognition.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first used automobile buyer is one of aconsumer and a dealer.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstautomobile market data is based on real-time automobile market data. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein the first request includes a picture ofat least one of the exterior of the automobile, the interior of theautomobile, the dashboard of the automobile, the odometer of theautomobile, service records of the automobile, and ownership records ofthe automobile.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first requestincludes data provided with at least one graphical user interfacecomponent.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first request includesat least one price parameter.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thepricing data includes used automobile data and new automobile data,including actual prices of executed transactions, dealer listing prices,dealer sale prices, manufacturer incentives, dealer bids, consumer bids,and consumer pricing parameters.
 14. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: causing the at least one processing device to process theconsumer used automobile seller selection of the first bid to facilitateexecuting a sale including at least one of providing for electronicsignature of documents and providing for an electronic funds transfer.15. The method of claim 1, wherein an add-on, including at least one ofinsurance, financing, a service contract, a warranty, and a hard-addaccessory, is provided by a third party to the first used automobilebuyer with the first request, via the used automobile buyer interface,wherein the third party is different from the consumer used automobileseller and the first used automobile buyer.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the add-on is selected for inclusion in the first bid by thefirst used automobile buyer.
 17. A system comprising: a computerreadable medium storing automobile market data which is representativeof recent automobile market characteristics, including at least pricingdata, wherein the automobile market data includes information receivedfrom at least a plurality of consumers; at least one processing deviceoperably coupled to the computer readable medium, the at least oneprocessing device executing instructions to: receive, via a usedautomobile consumer seller interface, a first request for a responseregarding a first used automobile, the first request made by a consumerused automobile seller located at a first location and including avehicle identification number and geolocation information of theconsumer used automobile seller; determine, using on the geolocationinformation, that the consumer used automobile seller is located at thefirst location; generate, based on the determined first location, anin-market used automobile buyer area; determine that at least one usedautomobile buyer is located within the in-market used automobile buyerarea; provide first automobile market data, based on the first request,via a used automobile buyer interface; request, via the used automobilebuyer interface from the at least one used automobile buyer, a bid topurchase the first used automobile based on the first request; receive,via the used automobile buyer interface, at least one bid from at leastone used automobile buyer, the at least one bid including a first bidfrom a first used automobile buyer located at a second location withinthe in-market used automobile buyer area; generate, based on receivingthe first bid, driving directions from the first location to the secondlocation; and provide the response including the first bid via the usedautomobile consumer seller interface, the first bid including at least aprice for the first used automobile, and the response including thedriving directions from the first location to the second location; andreceive a consumer used automobile seller selection of the first bid,wherein the consumer used automobile seller selection indicates aconsumer used automobile seller intention to sell the first usedautomobile based on the first bid to the first used automobile buyer.18. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructionswhich, when executed, are configured to cause an information processingapparatus to: store automobile market data which is representative ofrecent automobile market characteristics, including at least pricingdata, wherein the automobile market data includes information receivedfrom at least a plurality of consumers; receive, via a used automobileconsumer seller interface, a first request for a response regarding afirst used automobile, the first request made by a consumer usedautomobile seller located at a first location and including a vehicleidentification number and geolocation information of the consumer usedautomobile seller; determine, using on the geolocation information, thatthe consumer used automobile seller is located at the first location;generate, based on the determined first location, an in-market usedautomobile buyer area; determine that at least one used automobile buyeris located within the in-market used automobile buyer area; providefirst automobile market data, based on the first request, via a usedautomobile buyer interface; request, via the used automobile buyerinterface from the at least one used automobile buyer, a bid to purchasethe first used automobile based on the first request; receive, via theused automobile buyer interface, at least one bid from at least one usedautomobile buyer, the at least one bid including a first bid from afirst used automobile buyer located at a second location within thein-market used automobile buyer area; generate, based on receiving thefirst bid, driving directions from the first location to the secondlocation; and provide the response including the first bid via the usedautomobile consumer seller interface, the first bid including at least aprice for the first used automobile, and the response including thedriving directions from the first location to the second location; andreceive a consumer used automobile seller selection of the first bid,wherein the consumer used automobile seller selection indicates aconsumer used automobile seller intention to sell the first usedautomobile based on the first bid to the first used automobile buyer.